Effects of exercise intensity and duration on plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in horses.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
The research investigates the impact of different exercise intensities and durations on the levels of beta-endorphin—a type of hormone—in horses. The findings suggest that the beta-endorphin concentration in horses differ considerably under various exercise circumstances, with higher intensities yielding more significant concentrations.
Research Methodology
The study involved eight mares with a mean age of six years, and an average body weight of 450kg. These horses underwent exercise sessions at two intensity levels:
- 20 minutes at 60% of their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max)
- Up to the point of fatigue at 95% of their VO2 max
Plasma beta-endorphin (EN) concentrations were assessed at different intervals during and after these exercise sessions. Plasma glucose concentrations were also measured at the same time intervals, with an added measurement of plasma lactate concentration taken five minutes after the session.
Findings
It was observed that the highest beta-endorphin concentrations were recorded within 0 to 45 minutes after the horses finished an exercise session. It was also established that the exercise’s intensity and duration significantly affected beta-endorphin concentrations in these horses. The levels of beta-endorphin were notably higher after exercise at 95% VO2 max than after 20 minutes of exercise at 60% VO2 max.
However, no significant correlation was found between beta-endorphin concentration and lactate concentration. Nevertheless, a weak but significant correlation was detected between beta-endorphin concentration and glucose concentration in the exercises executed at both intensities.
Conclusions
The research concluded that there exists a critical exercise threshold for beta-endorphin concentration in horses, which aligns with 60% VO2 max or less and depends on the exercise’s duration and intensity. The study also emphasized that controlled exercises can result in significant differences in beta-endorphin concentrations between horses, making it questionable to make horse comparisons based on their beta-endorphin levels.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Blood Glucose / analysis
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Lactic Acid / blood
- Linear Models
- Oxygen Consumption / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Radioimmunoassay / veterinary
- Regression Analysis
- beta-Endorphin / blood
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Ferlazzo A, Cravana C, Fazio E, Medica P. The different hormonal system during exercise stress coping in horses. Vet World 2020 May;13(5):847-859.
- Cravana C, Medica P, Ragonese G, Fazio E. Influence of training and competitive sessions on peripheral β-endorphin levels in training show jumping horses. Vet World 2017 Jan;10(1):67-73.
- Smith MA, Walker KL, Cole KT, Lang KC. The effects of aerobic exercise on cocaine self-administration in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011 Nov;218(2):357-69.
- Kanarek RB, D'Anci KE, Jurdak N, Mathes WF. Running and addiction: precipitated withdrawal in a rat model of activity-based anorexia. Behav Neurosci 2009 Aug;123(4):905-12.
- Fazio E, Medica P, Aronica V, Grasso L, Ferlazzo A. Circulating beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol levels of stallions before and after short road transport: stress effect of different distances. Acta Vet Scand 2008 Mar 3;50(1):6.
- Smith MA, Yancey DL. Sensitivity to the effects of opioids in rats with free access to exercise wheels: mu-opioid tolerance and physical dependence. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2003 Aug;168(4):426-34.
